Environmental Health Practitioners ready to support fight against COVID-19

CIEH has highlighted the unique role of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) in supporting efforts to fight COVID-19 and the strong work already being taken by the profession behind the scenes.

EHPs have a vital role in protecting the public and in enforcing the recent business closure and social distancing measures announced by the Government. CIEH has been working hand in hand with all relevant officials, agencies, and government departments to promote the vital contribution that our members can make.

CIEH is working with the Office of Product Safety and Standards to shape and promote the guidance on business closure enforcement to our members and the wider profession.

A region-by-region list of people who have contacted CIEH offering their services as volunteers is being complied, and CIEH is also contacting local authorities and public health bodies, as well as the community and voluntary sectors, to offer volunteer capacity as needed.

Debbie Wood, CIEH Executive Director for Membership and External Affairs, said:

“In these extremely difficult times, CIEH has been active across the board working with all the key government agencies and promoting the unique contribution our members can make.

EHPs are eager, passionate, and very willing to use their skills and experience in supporting efforts to fight COVID-19. We are working closely with government to ensure that this resource is properly utilised.

The number of people contacting us to offer their services in a voluntary capacity has been stunning and once again highlights the character of our profession.

We will have an important role going forwards and I know that our members will continue to showcase their value.”